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Rampant Hearts powered eight ahead of their Glasgow rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership to strengthen their early-season championship claims and worsen the struggles around the Celtic team.

A superb goal from Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland's penalty gave Derek McInnes' side a two-goal advantage that the reigning champions could not recover from.

Dane Murray - one of three youngsters in the Celtic XI - slashed into his own net early on to put Hearts ahead at a energetic their home ground, and it was the youngster's infringement that led to the spot-kick.

A stylish finish from McGregor of the season had quickly cancelled out the first goal, and the Swedish attacker almost put Celtic in front, opting for finesse over power and allowing Alexander Schwolow to save from close range.

But Derek McInnes' irrepressible Hearts seized control again to hand Celtic to back-to-back losses for the initial occasion since last year.

It also gives the Hearts a commanding advantage at the top of the table.

The previous occasion they were so far clear was in the 2005-2006 season under George Burley, when they ultimately finished second - one of just four occasions that a team has failed to win the title having held such a lead in the last three decades.

The Hearts coach, whose Aberdeen side were second to Celtic on four occasions, has been working hard to play down championship discussions, as Hearts seek their first top-flight crown since 1960.

The Celtic boss has seen it all before at Celtic - both perfect and shaky beginnings to a season. He's never ended as runner-up.

But on Sunday's evidence, this Edinburgh outfit showed they deserve serious consideration.

Analysis: Hearts Take Advantage of Weakened The Visitors

The Edinburgh side started with the self-assurance of a side undefeated in the league this season - the popular attacker poked a cross in for the striker to stab wide.

Celtic didn't help themselves with some uncharacteristic carelessness in possession and they faltered under their first real examination.

Claudio Braga's header was touched on to a post by Kasper Schmeichel and Shankland's return ball was diverted goalwards by the hapless defender, in for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The away side found their rhythm and started stringing passes together. From a flowing attack, Sebastian Tounekti released the full-back to set up McGregor, who rolled in.

Aside from the Nygren chance, the visitors found it hard to generate chances for lone frontman Jonny Kenny or his substitute Yamada amid the unavailability of injured forwards their key strikers.

Hearts rediscovered their energy and adaptability in attacking from across the final third. The Greek forward, one of the finds of the club's relationship with shareholder Tony Bloom's Jamestown Analytics, struck low past the goalkeeper from the just outside the area.

Almost straight away, the defender fouled Braga in the inside right channel and Shankland scored. And it could've been an even more handsome win, had replacement Ageu not been stopped by the shot-stopper.

Celtic's second half was somewhat summed up in a couple of moments involving big-money recruit Engles.

The set-piece from Engles delivery was in stark contrast to his European display in the Europa League win over their Austrian opponents and the national team player was then booked for a professional foul.

What They Said

The Hearts manager: "You see how hard the players work, the team spirit. That's not always enough to win games week in, week out.

"Our strength lies in, is good technical ability. You're seeing that from multiple individuals who have been here before. Some of the new signings are eager to show that.

"We're in a positive moment at the minute, but it's only three points. It's important for us to keep winning. We've got much work ahead, loads to do. After the first two rounds is typically a benchmark of where you are."

The Celtic boss: "It's a really poor goal from our perspective. We failed to push up when the play was recycled as a defensive unit so when they pass the ball, they ought to be caught offside but weren't. We have got to improve with the attempt.

"Plenty of matches to play for. It's still so early. It's only nine games in. Clearly, being eight points behind is not ideal. The comfort is there's numerous fixtures to play.

"We now have to focus on the here and now and look to find more consistency and better performance in our play."

What's Next for Both Sides?

The Glasgow club are returning to their stadium on Wednesday against promoted side Falkirk (evening kick-off). At the same time in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts are at their opponents' ground.

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